Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration 2026: Requirements, Online Form and QR Code
Learn about Vietnam’s pre-arrival declaration in 2026, including who should complete the PAI form, when to submit it, and how it differs from a Vietnam e-visa.
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026, you may need to understand the Vietnam pre-arrival declaration, also known as Pre-arrival Information (PAI). At Tubudd, we help travelers prepare for their journeys, including getting support with a Vietnam visa through Tubudd. This guide explains how the PAI system works, when to complete the form, and what to prepare before your arrival.
What Is Vietnam’s Pre-Arrival Declaration?
What Is Vietnam’s Pre-Arrival Declaration?
Vietnam’s Pre-arrival Information (PAI) system is an online platform introduced by the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. It allows foreign travelers to submit personal and travel information before arriving in Vietnam.
The system was initially piloted at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in April 2026 to support immigration procedures and help reduce waiting times. Official announcements subsequently identified five participating international airports: Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc.
The PAI declaration is separate from a visa application. If you need a visa to enter Vietnam, completing the PAI form does not replace that requirement. You can explore Tubudd’s Vietnam visa service for assistance with your visa application.
Is the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration Mandatory in 2026?
According to official announcements available in September 2026, the PAI system was being implemented on a voluntary basis at the participating airports. Travelers were encouraged to submit their information in advance to support a smoother arrival process.
However, immigration procedures can change. Before departure, check the official PAI portal for the latest instructions relevant to your arrival airport.
Question
Answer
Who is the system intended for?
Foreign travelers entering Vietnam
Is the declaration mandatory?
Official notices in September 2026 described implementation as voluntary
Where is it available?
Five participating international airports identified in official announcements
When should you submit it?
Follow the current instructions on the official portal; guidance has indicated submission within three days before arrival
Even if the declaration is voluntary for your journey, completing it in advance may help you prepare for immigration procedures.
Who Should Complete the PAI Form?
The PAI system is intended for foreign nationals entering Vietnam, including tourists, business travelers, and other international visitors.
If you are traveling to Vietnam with an e-visa, a visa issued by a Vietnamese authority, or under a visa-exemption arrangement, check the latest PAI instructions to determine whether the procedure applies to your circumstances.
Remember that visa exemption and pre-arrival information serve different purposes. Being eligible to enter Vietnam without a visa does not automatically answer whether you should complete the PAI form.
Vietnamese citizens traveling on Vietnamese passports are not the foreign-traveler group primarily described in the PAI announcements. If you have a special immigration status or are unsure which procedure applies, consult the official portal before traveling.
If you need help arranging a visa for your trip, visit Tubudd’s visa service to explore the available assistance.
When Should You Submit the Vietnam Pre-Arrival Declaration?
Travelers have been advised to complete the PAI declaration within three days before their expected arrival. Check the current instructions on the official website before submitting, as implementation details may change.
For example, if your flight arrives in Vietnam on October 30, prepare your passport and flight details in advance and complete the declaration within the applicable submission window.
Before submitting, confirm that your arrival date and flight information match your latest booking. If your flight changes after submission, check the portal for instructions on whether you need to update your information.
How to Complete Vietnam’s Pre-Arrival Declaration Online
The PAI process is completed through the official immigration website.
Use the official government portal rather than an unfamiliar third-party website. Be cautious of websites that imitate government services or request unnecessary personal information or payments.
Enter Your Personal and Travel Information
Choose the option to create and submit a pre-arrival declaration, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Enter Your Personal and Travel Information
Prepare your passport and travel documents before starting. Depending on the fields displayed, you may need to provide:
Full name and passport details
Visa or entry-document information, where applicable
Flight number and expected arrival date
Other personal or travel details requested by the form
Enter information exactly as it appears on your official documents. Review spelling, passport numbers, and flight details carefully before proceeding.
Review and Submit the Form
Check all information before submitting the declaration. An incorrect passport number, arrival date, or flight number may cause discrepancies in your submission.
If your travel arrangements change, consult the official portal to determine whether your existing declaration needs to be updated.
Save Your Confirmation QR Code
After successful submission, follow the portal’s instructions for accessing your confirmation and QR code, if issued.
Save the confirmation on your phone or print a copy so that you can retrieve it easily during your journey. Keep your passport and any required visa documentation available as well.
A confirmation QR code does not guarantee admission to Vietnam. Immigration officers retain authority to determine whether a traveler meets the applicable entry requirements.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Before completing the declaration, keep the following information accessible:
Valid passport: Check that your passport meets Vietnam’s entry requirements.
Flight details: Confirm your flight number and scheduled arrival date.
Visa or visa-exemption information: Prepare the relevant documents for your circumstances.
Accommodation details: Keep your accommodation address available in case the form or immigration authorities request it.
PAI confirmation: Save the confirmation or QR code after completing the process, if one is issued.
Requirements may vary depending on your circumstances and the current portal interface. Follow the instructions displayed by the official system.
If you also need a Vietnam visa, remember that this is separate from the PAI process. Visit Tubudd’s Vietnam visa service to learn more about available visa assistance before your trip.
Is the Pre-Arrival Declaration the Same as a Vietnam E-Visa or Health Declaration?
No. These procedures have different purposes and should not be confused with one another.
Procedure
Main purpose
Pre-arrival Information (PAI)
Collects traveler and arrival information before entry
Vietnam e-visa
Provides electronic visa authorization for eligible foreign nationals who need a visa
Health declaration
Collects public-health information when required by the authorities
Customs declaration
Covers goods, currency, and other items that must be declared under customs rules
The PAI declaration does not grant a visa, extend your permitted stay, or replace a health or customs declaration when one is required.
If you need a visa, arrange it separately and check that the approved visa covers your travel dates, number of entries, and intended entry point. You can explore Tubudd’s visa service for assistance with your Vietnam visa application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before traveling to Vietnam, avoid these common mistakes:
Using an unofficial website: Access the declaration through the official immigration portal.
Submitting outside the recommended window: Follow the latest instructions regarding when to complete the form.
Entering incorrect travel details: Double-check your passport information, flight number, and arrival date.
Assuming the QR code replaces your visa: Carry the appropriate visa or other entry documentation if required.
Forgetting your confirmation: Save the QR code or submission confirmation where you can access it.
Relying on outdated guidance: Check current official announcements before departure, especially if your arrival airport or immigration circumstances differ from those described in older notices.
For broader travel preparation and services, visit the Tubudd website.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s pre-arrival declaration is an online procedure designed to help collect traveler information before arrival. In 2026, official announcements described the PAI system as voluntary at participating airports, but travelers should check the latest instructions and complete the process within the applicable time window. Most importantly, PAI is separate from a visa application and does not replace entry requirements. Before traveling, check the latest official guidance and visit Tubudd to explore travel services or get assistance with your Vietnam visa application
